13.07.2026

AMD: causes, risk factors and symptoms to watch out for

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) often has no symptoms in its early stages. However, being aware of the risk factors and early warning signs enables action to be taken before vision is permanently affected.

Who is affected?

Age is the primary risk factor: AMD mainly affects people over the age of 50, and its prevalence rises sharply after the age of 75. Genetics also play an important role — a family history of the condition increases the risk.

Other factors, however, are modifiable:

Smoking is one of the most significant and preventable risk factors.
A diet low in antioxidants (few vegetables, fruit and oily fish) promotes degeneration.
Cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure are also associated with an increased risk.

Symptoms by stage

A distinctive feature of AMD is its subtle progression, particularly in the early stages. In the early stages, no visible symptoms are experienced. The condition can only be detected during an ophthalmological examination of the fundus. At the intermediate stage, some patients notice they need more light to read, or see slight blurred spots in their central field of vision. At the advanced stage, the symptoms become more pronounced: a greyish spot or blind spot in the centre of the vision, straight lines that appear wavy (Amsler grid), and increasing difficulty recognising faces or reading.

The Amsler test: a simple tool for use at home

The Amsler grid is a simple screening tool that you can use regularly at home. If the lines appear distorted or if you notice a blurred area in the centre, see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

thumbnail — Watch our video on the causes and symptoms, and read our next article on the available treatments.

click overlay image — Watch our video on the causes and symptoms, and read our next article on the available treatments.

About the author

Dr Aude Ambresin is an ophthalmologist specialising in medical retina, based in Lausanne, Switzerland. She is Medical Director and co-founder of the RétinElysée private retina centre in Lausanne, as well as a consultant in medical retina at Swiss Visio Montchoisi. She is also a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Lausanne.

Dr Ambresin heads a clinical trials unit dedicated to retinal diseases, with particular expertise in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). She actively incorporates new technologies and artificial intelligence into her clinical research.

Her articles have been published in leading medical journals, notably the Revue Médicale Suisse.

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